Status:
valid
Authors:
(L.) Delile
Source:
tro
Year:
1813
Citation Micro:
Descr. Egypte, Hist. Nat. : 221 (1813)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001146307
Common Names
- Balanites Aegyptiacus
- Egyptian Balsam
- Desert Date
Description
Balanites aegyptiacus (also called Egyptian Balsam, among many other common names) is a tree native to Africa, the Middle East, and India. It has a straight trunk and its leaves are alternate, simple, and oblong-elliptic. It grows in humid forests and along rivers.
Uses & Benefits
Balanites aegyptiacus is used as an ornamental plant, for its wood and for its medicinal properties. It is also used in the production of honey.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Balanites aegyptiacus has small, yellow flowers with four petals and a yellow center. The seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings have long, narrow leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Balanites aegyptiacus can be propagated by division or seed. It prefers moist soils in full sun or partial shade. It is drought tolerant once established.
Where to Find Balanites aegyptiacus
Balanites aegyptiacus is native to Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. It can be found in dry, open woodlands and savannas.
Species in the Balanites genus
Balanites aegyptiaca,
Balanites angolensis,
Balanites glabra,
Balanites maughamii,
Balanites pedicellaris,
Balanites rotundifolia,
Balanites roxburghii,
Balanites triflora,
Balanites wilsoniana,
Balanites aegyptiacus,
Balanites wilsonianus,
Species in the Zygophyllaceae family
Balanites aegyptiaca,
Balanites angolensis,
Balanites glabra,
Balanites maughamii,
Balanites pedicellaris,
Balanites rotundifolia,
Balanites roxburghii,
Balanites triflora,
Balanites wilsoniana,
Balanites aegyptiacus,
Balanites wilsonianus,
Bulnesia chilensis,
Bulnesia foliosa,
Bulnesia retamo,
Bulnesia rivas-martinezii,
Bulnesia schichendanzii,
Bulnesia schickendantzii,
Guaiacum coulteri,
Guaiacum officinale,
Guaiacum palmeri,
Guaiacum sanctum,
Guaiacum unijugum,
Guaiacum nellii,
Kallstroemia pubescens,
Kallstroemia maxima,
Kallstroemia californica,
Kallstroemia grandiflora,
Kallstroemia hirsutissima,
Kallstroemia parviflora,
Kallstroemia perennans,
Kallstroemia adscendens,
Kallstroemia tucumanensis,
Kallstroemia tribuloides,
Kallstroemia incana,
Kallstroemia rosei,
Kallstroemia boliviana,
Kallstroemia pennellii,
Kallstroemia peninsularis,
Kallstroemia standleyi,
Kallstroemia mexicana,
Kallstroemia curta,
Kallstroemia hintonii,
Kelleronia gillettiae,
Kelleronia splendens,
Kelleronia revoilii,
Larrea simulans,
Larrea ameghinoi,
Larrea divaricata,
Larrea cuneifolia,
Larrea nitida,